The Associated Press
HARLINGEN, Texas -- A police officer was hospitalized in critical condition today after he was doused with a liquid and caught on fire when he responded to a domestic disturbance call.
Carlos Ramos, 35, suffered second-degree burns to his neck and right arm and third-degree burns to his legs Monday.
Sergio Gonzales, 42, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault of a police officer, evading arrest, arson and attempted capital murder. A third assault charge was for striking his 17-year-old stepson in the face, police spokesman Johnny Ramirez said.
Gonzales, who was on probation for another offense, was being held without bond.
Ramos was first called to the house at 8:40 p.m. Sunday, but Gonzales got away and evaded police after a car chase.
Officers were called to the house again at about 4 a.m. Monday. When they arrived, Gonzales allegedly ignited a flammable liquid, and Ramos caught on fire. The blaze spread and damaged the home before firefighters put it out, but no other injuries were reported.
Ramirez said the liquid was being tested to determine whether it was gasoline.
Ramos, who has been a Harlingen police officer two years, was taken to Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen before being transported to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, authorities said.
His condition had worsened from Monday night, when he was listed as stable.